Nancy F. Kalishman

Nancy Freund Kalishman of St. Louis, MO passed away peacefully at her home on Sunday, November 24, 2024 surrounded by her family. She is survived by her loving children, Susan Goldberg, John (Diane) Kalishman, Tom (Casey) Kalishman and Jim (Amy) Kalishman; her cherished grandchildren, Jennifer and Lauren Goldberg; Jenna, Ethan, and Nicole Kalishman; Max and Isabel Kalishman; and Amanda, Ally, and Jeremy Kalishman. Nancy’s passing was preceded by that of her beloved husband Jerome “Jerry” Kalishman in 1998; parents, Dr. Newton and Goldie Freund; her sisters, Miriam (Dr. Alfred) Goldman, Marjory (Sigmund) Meyer and Joan (Jack) Newman; her brother Irving (Margaret) Londy and her brother in-law Marvin (Arline) Kalishman; and her adored Victoria “Dicky” Leven.

Born in St. Louis, Nancy was a proud graduate of Mary Institute and Wellesley College and remained strongly connected to both places. She later returned to teach at Mary Institute, where she was revered by her students and developed lifelong relationships. Known for her unwavering desire to give back to the St. Louis community, Nancy devoted herself to making a lasting impact and inspiring others with her selfless commitment. Honored as a Woman of Achievement in 1995, she was actively involved in and led many local charitable organizations, including the Scholarship Foundation of St. Louis, where she served as president and was instrumental in growing it into a flourishing organization. She also was president of the Temple Israel Sisterhood and the Wellesley Club of St. Louis. Additionally, she was active and on the boards of other organizations, including the Jewish Federation of St. Louis, the Arts and Education Council, the Girl Scouts, and Beyond Housing.

Nancy spent childhood summers at her family’s cherished Minnesota vacation home called “Xanadu.” She and Jerry carried on this tradition with their own children and loved hosting friends and family at their home at the Lake of the Ozarks. Later in life, she spent winters in Naples, FL, where she developed meaningful relationships, played tennis and bridge, and exposed her grandchildren to her love of nature. She was fiercely proud of St. Louis and delighted in visiting the Zoo and Art Museum, attending performances at Opera Theatre and the Rep, and touring visitors around her beloved city.

Nancy and Jerry were married in 1959 and celebrated 39 amazing years together, sharing a love and partnership that few couples achieve. They greatly enjoyed traveling, playing tennis, fishing, spending time with their many friends, and entertaining. Together, they built a life that exceeded their dreams and created a legacy that will live for generations.

Nancy was devoted to her family and friends and had the gift of making everyone feel welcome, important, and special. Her later years centered around her ten adored grandchildren. She spent extensive time with them and instilled in them her values and life lessons, in addition to wonderful memories, which they will cherish forever.

A funeral service will be held Friday, November 29, 2024 at 12:30 PM at Congregation Temple Israel, #1 Rabbi Alvan D. Rubin Drive, St. Louis, MO 63141. There is no visitation before and a private interment will follow.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Nancy’s memory can be made to the Scholarship Foundation of St. Louis (Nancy Kalishman Fund), the Jewish Federation of St. Louis, or a charity of your choice.